Auckland Vulcans U/21 squad named for South Island tour

Auckland Vulcans U/21 squad named for South Island tour

The Rugby League Development Foundation has today named an 18-man Auckland Vulcans U/21 squad to tour the South Island over Queen's Birthday Weekend.

The team will play matches against the West Coast on Saturday, May 30 and Canterbury on Monday, June 1.

Head coach Grant Pocklington will add a 19th member to the squad at a later date, with uncertainty around injuires and availability.

"I have been pleasantly surprised to see the quality of the players who are under 21 in the Appliance Shed Fox Memorial competition, and they have all come with a great attitude," said Pocklington, who has won back-to-back Fox titles with Pt Chevalier over the last two seasons.

"The West Coast in their jubilee year will up for it, and Canterbury won the national title last year and will be a huge test.

"Aside from the footy the players will get some great experience in a tour environment, as well as being exposed to the professionalism expected while we are away."

The Vulcans' trip to the South Island follows on from last year's games against Northland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty at the end of the club season.

Under the ARL's strategic plan the Rugby League Development Foundation organised tours are seen as a crucial part of helping to grow the domestic game.

"One of our goals is to use the strength of the Auckland Rugby League to help district rugby league prosper," said ARL CEO John Ackland, who will be joining the side on the tour.

"Particulary in the case of the South Island where it has been such an important part of the game in New Zealand, producing many Kiwis and hosting Tests in the past."

A full Auckland representative side will take on the New Zealand Maori Residents in Rotorua on May 30 as well, with the squad to be announced tomorrow.

Fixtures

Auckland Vulcans U/21 v West Coast - 2.30pm kick-off - Wingham Park.

Auckland Vulcans U/21 v Canterbury - 12.30pm kick-off - Crosby Park.

Auckland Vulcans U/21 sqaud for South Island tour

Staff: Head coach - Grant Pocklington (Pt Chevalier), Manager - Rob Nathan (Glenora), Trainer - Roy Wattie (Navy).

Players: George Edwards (Papakura), Johnny Faletagoai (Mangere East), Marlon Purcell (Mangere East), Francis Toetu (Papakura), Andrew Tusiane (Papakura), Alan Niulevu (Papakura), Alamoti Finau (Marist), Andrew Holani (Otara), Howard Brown (Mangere East), Tom Kavaliku (Marist), Casey Lafaele (Pt Chevalier), Aaron Swan (Glenora), Sala Falelua (Pt Chevalier), Jonah Sofele (Pt Chevalier), Michael Ki (Pt Chevalier), Simione Maamaloa (Mangere East), Paea Manukia (Glenora), Robbie Nathan (Glenora).

ENDS

© Scoop Media